Effects of Nigella sativa supplementation on lipid profiles in adults: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

2024-06
Clinical nutrition ESPEN 61
- Mahsa Rounagh
- Vali Musazadeh
- Ali Hosseininejad-Mohebati
- Maryam Falahatzadeh
- Zeynab Kavyani
- Reza Bijan Rostami
- Mahdi Vajdi

PubMed: 38777430
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.03.020

Study Design

Type: Meta-Analysis
Sample size: n = 2,278
Population: adult participants
Methods: We searched Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases until December 2022. Random effects models were used, and pooled data were determined as standardized mean differences with a 95% confidence interval.

Background and aim

Several experiments have suggested that Nigella sativa (N. sativa) supplementation may have a beneficial effect on the lipid profile. However, the results from these trials have been inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the impact of N. sativa supplementation on the lipid profile of adult participants.

Methods

We searched Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases until December 2022. Random effects models were used, and pooled data were determined as standardized mean differences with a 95% confidence interval.

Results

The findings of 34 studies with 2278 participants revealed that N. sativa supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) (SMD: -1.78; 95% CI: -2.20, -1.37, p < 0.001), triglycerides (TG) (SMD: -1.2725; 95% CI: -1.67, -0.83, p < 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (SMD: -2.45; 95% CI: -3.06, -1.85; p < 0.001) compared to control groups. However, a significant increase was found in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (SMD: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.38, 1.20, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

N. sativa has improved effects on TG, LDL-C, TC, and HDL-C levels. Overall, N. sativa may be suggested as an adjuvant anti-hyperlipidemic agent.

Research Insights

Black Cumin→Increased HDL Cholesterol Levels
high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (SMD: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.38, 1.20, p < 0.001)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Black Cumin→Reduced Blood Cholesterol
N. sativa supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) (SMD: -1.78; 95% CI: -2.20, -1.37, p < 0.001)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Large
Black Cumin→Reduced Low-Density Lipoprotein Level
low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (SMD: -2.45; 95% CI: -3.06, -1.85; p < 0.001)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Large
Black Cumin→Reduced Triglyceride Levels
triglycerides (TG) (SMD: -1.2725; 95% CI: -1.67, -0.83, p < 0.001)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Large